Erftstadt in flood chaos: clean-up work and help on site

Erftstadt in flood chaos: clean-up work and help on site

In Erftstadt, the final clean-up work in Herrig after last weekend's devastating flood, which raged across North Rhine-Westphalia on May 31st, has now shown its first progress. According to Kölner Stadt-Anzeiger, the basements of the affected residents have already been pumped empty and construction dryers from the Arbeiter-Samariter-Bund (ASB) are in use. Local mayor Michael Vieth announced that the worst cleanup work was completed on Sunday, June 1st. In order to bring a good bit of normality back to the affected areas, garbage collection by the Remondis company is planned for Tuesday, June 3rd.

The severe storms not only hit Herrig hard, but also the neighboring districts of Lechenich and Liblar. Some streets were impassable and numerous cellars overflowed. The mayor Carolin Weitzel and the local mayor Vieth actively supported the residents in this difficult situation. “We are experiencing strong cohesion in the village community here, especially through the farmers who have offered their help,” says Vieth. Despite the damage, there was also positive news, as only two or three buildings were affected so badly that residents had to think about moving.

Precaution for future flood events

In view of these flood events, local politicians have initiated work statutes. The CDU is calling for a comprehensive package of measures to prevent heavy rain, which should include improving the sewer infrastructure and creating rain retention areas. “We have to live up to our responsibility and support citizens in implementing flood protection measures,” explains a CDU spokesman. The measures to prevent heavy rain could in some cases be funded by up to 80 percent, which will certainly make it easier for many citizens.

The City of Erftstadt began working on a municipal flood protection concept in 2023. This will run for a planned period of three years and includes the involvement of the public. The aim is to ensure a sustainable improvement in technical flood protection in the Erft catchment area and its tributaries. When developing the concept, great importance is placed on taking into account local conditions and the experiences gained from past flood events.

Climate change and its consequences

The flooding in Erftstadt is another example of how the climate crisis has increased the likelihood of such extreme weather events. According to the Federal Ministry for the Environment, Nature Conservation and Nuclear Safety (BMU), weather extremes such as heavy rain and floods are increasingly noticeable in Germany. A new climate adaptation law, which will come into force on July 1, 2024, obliges states to develop comprehensive climate adaptation concepts in municipalities. It is expected that this will also help Erftstadt to be better prepared for such natural events in the long term.

“We have a duty to act both for our citizens and for the environment,” emphasizes a spokesman for the BMU. Innovative concepts such as the idea of ​​the 'sponge city', where water is stored in unsealed areas even during periods of drought, are becoming increasingly important. Such measures can reduce the risk of flooding.

The residents of Erftstadt are challenged, but the community is ready to face the challenges. With commitment and a heightened awareness of the future dangers of climate change, a positive change can be achieved.